The Saint Augustine's College Board of Trustees on Friday, March 27, approved a tuition and fees increase for the 2009-2010 academic year.

The increase, which will amount to an additional $782.50 per semester, brings the yearly cost of tuition and fees to $15,689. Room and board will be $6,918.

"With this increase, Saint Augustine's College still remains in the lower third among the 35 private institutions in the state," President Dianne Boardley Suber said. "In difficult economic times, the increase keeps the College competitive while not overburdening students."

As an innovative aspect of the increase, the College will provide a book allowance for all students beginning with the fall 2009 academic year. Each student will receive $500 for books per semester.

"We have found that, although many of our students receive financial aid, funding for books continues to be a serious issue," said Leon Scott, vice president of Business and Finance. "With the book allowances, students will be prepared to start classes on day one. This relieves a burden for parents, students and faculty alike."

As is its practice and commitment, the College continues to work with students to identify sources of financial and scholarship support.